Saturday, September 22, 2012

Clear Sinuses in 20 Seconds with Your Tongue and Your Thumb

Blocked sinuses are no fun, especially when the problem frequently requires taking a pill. Redditor gymfork points to a clever acupressure method that can solve the problem in just 20 seconds:

Push your tongue against the top of your mouth and place a finger between your eyebrows and apply pressure. Hold it for about 20 seconds and your sinuses will begin to drain.

When you push your tongue against the roof of your mouth, don't aim for a specific point but rather push it flat against the top. When you let go, you should start to feel a little movement in the back of your throat. It's a very simple trick that gets the job done.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

Be it UPA, BJP or any other acronym at the Centre, petrol prices will again head northwards. We can only feel helpless in the face of recurring and economy-driven price fluctuations. Seeking measures to improve fuel economy is the only way to combat rising fuel prices. Do not disregard these simple guidelines; each little step can really start adding up to significant savings to your budget.
Do Fuel Quality/Types/Additives Help Mileage?
Petrol pump attendants often try to convince you to go for 'Speed petrol' or 'X-tra Mile diesel'. But this need not necessarily help improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Always use the grade recommended for the vehicle by the manufacturer. Higher octane fuel may not only be a waste of money but may harm the vehicle, as well. However sticking to one brand of fuel is always good for the engine.

Keep the Windows Closed
Driving with your windows open considerably reduces mileage, far more than keeping the AC on while driving along highways. So preferably keep the windows closed and the AC on if you want to keep cool. Of course the air-conditioning decreases fuel efficiency considerably, so use it judiciously.

Refill in the morning/late evening
During these times petrol is densest. Keep in mind - fuel pumps measure volumes of petrol, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".

Check Tyre Pressure
Keeping the tyres well inflated is one of the simplest things you can do to help improve your car's fuel efficiency. You can improve the mileage by about 3.3 percent if you keep your tyres inflated properly, according to the DOE.

Lighten Your Load
Empty out your boot of unnecessary items. For every extra 45 kg you carry, your fuel efficiency can drop by 1-2% in a typical vehicle.

S-L-O-W D-O-W-N
The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Driving within the speed limit recommended by the manufacturer helps save fuel. Driving just 5mph over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23%. Likewise, quick acceleration consumes too much fuel; accelerate slowly and gradually.

Tune Your Engine A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4%. So change your oil and follow your car manufacturer's recommendation on servicing.

Clean the Air Filters Regularly
Air filters keep impurities from damaging your engine. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by as much as 10%.

Don't Be a Clutch-Driver
Never keep your foot on the clutch while driving. When you do this, pressure is being placed on your clutch, and it not only reduces mileage, but also wears out the clutch plate, replacing which is not cheap.

Keep the Car in Showroom Condition
It's always prudent to keep the car in the showroom condition. Remember that any modification to the car, such as broad tyres, diffusers etc., will adversely affect the mileage.

Got another tip?
I'm sure there are more tips that you have tried and found to be productive. Please share them with others, too.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

wrap kids in bubble during car crash

Now, seat to wrap kids in bubble during car crash

British engineers have unveiled a car seat that cocoons a baby in a protective shell in the event of an accident.

The rear-facing Carkoon is also fireproof, providing the child with up to 20 minutes of air and insulating it from a blaze.

And for easy release in an accident - or during an everyday trip to the supermarket or nursery - the seat can be swivelled round to face the door, so the child can be easily unbuckled and lifted out.

The Carkoon could be on sale as early as next year but, at around 499 pounds, will be considerably more expensive than a standard child seat.

Its main feature is an airbag that folds out on impact, enveloping the child in the seat. The youngster is protected from head to toe but has plenty of breathing space.

Unlike traditional airbags that cushion passengers by deflating when hit, the Carkoon's airbag stays inflated and rigid enough to withstand bombardment by any objects dislodged by the crash.

Inventor Jullian Preston-Powers said this is vital, as a stray water bottle or satnav can kill in a 30mph crash. We have even bounced a brick off it," the Daily Mail quoted Preston-Powers as saying.

He came up with the idea after speaking to a Sussex fireman whose hands were badly burned when he tried to rescue a baby from a burning car.

Sadly, the fireman was unsuccessful and the baby died.

As well as the swivelling base and airbag, some Carkoon models will have a device that transmit a signal to the emergency services, letting them know there has been an accident with a baby involved.

In Britain, car seats for babies usually face backwards while those for toddlers face forwards.

With studies showing rear-facing seats provide vital added protection to the head and neck in a crash, Preston-Powers is campaigning for them to be made compulsory for all children under four.